As one of the most challenging races in motorsport - the Dakar Rally – kicks off again for another year, SKF is proud to be continuing its partnership for the 2020 race with top teams such as Toyota Gazoo Racing, winner of last year’s rally.
SKF is a passionate sponsor of global motorsport and has been part of the on- and off-road, two- and four-wheel racing scene over many decades through bespoke and turn-key product sponsorships and technical support. Through its separate racing division, SKF Racing, the company is involved in all aspects of technical assistance, design, and manufacture for specific motorsport applications.
A solid long-term partnership with all customers is central to a successful and sustainable partnership that benefits both parties. According to Glyn Hall, Toyota Motorsport Team Principle, SKF products are first choice whenever they are applicable in the Toyota Hilux Dakar vehicle: “The high level of reliability, coupled with a wide range of applications make it the best option for us, and we are highly reliant on the quality that SKF delivers in our race-winning cars. Beyond the obvious applications, such as the gearbox, differentials and gearshift mechanisms, we have found many other uses for SKF products in our car, and we are grateful to have the support of such a highly rated company.”
In the off-road racing circuit, in particular the Dakar Rally, SKF has been part of numerous podium finishes and has supported the Dakar, known as one of the world’s most arduous races that tests both driver and vehicle to their limit, since 2012.
Dakar 2019 saw Qatari driver Nasser Al Attiyah and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel from the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s Hilux team lift the 1st place trophy.
The partnership will continue now as the Toyota Gazoo Racing team compete in the 2020 rally (from 5th to 17th January). SKF wish all the participants good luck. May the best team win!